About OctoLife:

OctoLife is a start-up founded by serial entrepreneurs to build the world’s most energy efficient and sustainable cooling products. We are an innovation-driven organization developing next-generation high-efficiency cooling solutions for small spaces. Our mission is to redefine comfort with sustainable and affordable cooling, by improving traditional air conditioning technologies and pioneering new approaches to thermodynamic efficiency and low-power cooling.

Who We're Looking For:

We’re looking for an exceptional Head of R&D and Engineering to lead our technical efforts, guide product development, and translate deep research into manufacturable, market-ready solutions.

Role Overview

We are looking for a hands-on Head of R&D to lead all aspects of research, design, and development of advanced cooling systems — from prototyping to product delivery for manufacturing. This is a builder’s role: you will personally work on system design, calculations, experiments, and prototypes while leading a small, elite cross-functional team of engineers focused on thermodynamics, hardware design, and system integration.


Key Responsibilities

· Hands-on Technical Leadership

o Lead system-level design of high-efficiency cooling solutions.

o Perform and review thermodynamic modeling, heat transfer calculations, and performance trade-offs.

o Improve existing vapor compression systems (cycle optimization, component selection, controls).

o Guide rapid prototyping, laboratory testing, and field trials.

o Lead development of novel or hybrid cooling technologies.

· Team & Process Management

o Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing multifunctional R&D and engineering team

o Work side-by-side with the team — reviewing designs, debugging tests, and solving hard problems together.

o Establish systematic R&D and engineering processes including documentation, testing protocols, and IP generation.

o Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure design-for-manufacturability.

o Own engineering excellence and deliver transfer to manufacture ready product with documentation

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

  • Education: Batchelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a related field.
  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in R&D or product development in Air conditioning, HVAC, refrigeration, or related domains.
  • Deep expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and refrigeration cycles.
  • Proven track record of leading teams from concept to prototype to commercial product.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools (e.g., CFD, system simulation etc) and experimental design.
  • Strong understanding of energy efficiency standards and sustainability frameworks.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with strong problem-solving and system-level thinking.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Why Join Us:

● Opportunity to lead cutting-edge innovation in a high-impact domain.

● Shape the future of sustainable cooling and climate technology.

● Work with a passionate, mission-driven team at the intersection of science, engineering, and design.